Briggs & Stratton Auburn Plant Focuses on V-Twin OPE Engines Aug 29, 2012

Printable format  Email this Article  Search

The Briggs & Stratton plant in Auburn, AL will switch from flexible to focused manufacturing.

The plant, with 400 employees, has produced a variety of products since opening in August 1995, but will now transition to dedicated manufacturing of V-twin (twin cylinder) engines.

The company said the demand for V-twin engines has increased as more U.S. homeowners and commercial lawn service companies move to zero-turn riding mowers and premium lawn tractors. This demand is expected to remain strong. Briggs & Stratton has launched V-twin products such as Professional Series and Commercial Turf Series engines, both produced in Auburn, to penetrate the premium and commercial segments of the riding mower market.

The Auburn plant utilizes a Lean Six Sigma methodology. Lean manufacturing addresses process flow and waste issues. Six Sigma focuses on variation and design opportunities. Recently, the continuous improvement team partnered with Alabama Power on a week-long event to identify energy saving opportunities that could lead to significant cost savings for the plant.

"Customers are aware of our continuing efforts to manufacture quality v-twin engines," said Russ Stone, plant manager for Briggs & Stratton. "And they are particularly pleased with the fact that we can deliver an engine made in the USA."

The Briggs & Stratton engines manufactured in Auburn use U.S. and global parts. They power several popular riding mower brands, including Ariens, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Husqvarna, John Deere, Simplicity, and Snapper.

Back to Daily News